Colourful convoy raises money in memory of attack victims

Local firms united to "bring a smile back"

A colourful “truck run” has driven through Southport, with lorries and tractors decorated in pink and white ribbons in tribute to the girls who died in the stabbings in the town.

Southport Charity Truck Run organiser Ellen Smith said: “There is enough hatred in this world right now, so let’s spread some happiness.”

Drivers were raising funds for the Southport Dance Group Emergency Fund, which has collected about £134,000 to support families affected by the attack.

She said drivers from various businesses had united to “do our bit for the community and bring a smile back to Southport” during the event on Saturday.

Alice Da Silva Aguiar, aged nine, Bebe King, six, and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe were killed in the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Hart Street on 29 July.

Tractors and lorries were decorated in pink and white ribbons for the fundraising tribute

Funerals for Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King were held in the town during August